Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation refers to the inability of one being able to pass the stool at least once a day. According to Ayurveda, not pooping every day is referred to as a condition of constipation. The time of the day does not matter when it comes to being classified as a condition of constipation. ²

The new normal - Some people might consider not pooping for 2 consecutive days as or even more as constipation but that is not the correct way of understanding constipation according to Ayurveda. ²

Your normal might be different than others. For example - a healthy Pitta type of person might poop 4-5 times a day and might feel constipated when s/he poops just once a day. But regardless of the body type, once a day is the minimum expected passage of stool. ²

Causes of constipation:

Constipation can be caused because of different factors but it is usually a Vata condition. Some of the causes of constipation have been discussed below. 

Dietary causes of constipation: 

• Heavy foods
• Vata-causing foods 
• Dry, crispy foods

Mental or Psychological causes of constipation: 

• Stress
• Anger
• Depression
• Imbalanced emotions

Lifestyle linked causes of constipation: 

• Lack of time ²
• Suppressing the urge to poop ²
• Insufficient water intake ¹
• Lack of exercise ¹

In short-term constipation, might result in Vata-type of diarrhea. Both Vata-type of diarrhea and constipation can also be referred to as Vata aggravated signs and issues seen in stool. 

Problems resulting from not curing constipation timely:

Prolonged constipation and flatus leads to serious ailments and issues like:

• Chronic cold
• Bronchial asthma
• Piles
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Depression
• Self-pity
• Discomfort, restlessness, fatigue
• Lethargy and insomnia
• Absorption of toxins from the colon¹

Solutions recommended for constipation:

Dietary solutions recommended for relief from constipation¹:

• Fiber-rich foods
• Add some oil to your diet.
• Eat some fruit in between your meals.
• Eat 2 ripe bananas in between meals. Do not combine bananas with other foods. Do not eat green bananas or overripe bananas which have black skin.
• Eat an apple by chewing it thoroughly 1 hour after a meal.
• Eat 1 or 2 peaches 1 hour after meals.
• Handful of raisins can be eaten at least one hour after meals.
• Whole grains
• 1 to 2 tsp of ghee in hot milk at bedtime - especially for Vata and Pitta dominant people.
• In case of constipation in children, give 3 figs soaked in warm water.
• Boil 1 tsp of flax seeds in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes. Drink this tea and eat these seeds as well at night.

Use of castor oil for relief from constipation¹:

• Should be taken only in case of serious constipation, in an emergency.
• Before bed, make a cup of ginger tea (that is, fresh ginger or a pinch of dry ginger powder in water) and add 2 tsp of castor oil to it. Drink this. You can repeat drinking this and increase the dosage up to 4 tsp if required.
• This should be done when a person doesn't have any major commitments as you might need to poop multiple times a day after taking this remedy.
• This remedy should be sparingly used as castor oil tends to create dependency.
• Taking 2 tsp of castor oil in 1 cup of warm milk - this won't create dependency on castor oil.

Pranayama extremely beneficial for those suffering from constipation: 

• Kapalabhati - every morning on an empty stomach.

Enema is recommended in case of absolute constipation for three consecutive days.¹ Enema can be done with plain water or with oils or decoctions. 

This type of enema is different from the Enema Panchkarma since it doesn't involve any elaborate preparatory procedures and is also not being done with the objective of deep cleansing of the body. It is merely an emergency use of the enema procedure.

Dealing with Constipation during pregnancy:

A pregnant women should not take triphla or castor oil for constipation during pregnancy¹. The things that can be taken are:

• 1 tsp of psyllium husk with a glass of warm milk¹
• A cup of warm milk with 1 tsp of ghee¹

Recommendations to treat constipation at its root are: ²

• Vata reducing diet and lifestyle
• Things to be done daily:
  • Daily internal oleation - that is - taking 1-4 tsp of ghee or oil daily. Please note that the amount of ghee or oil taken varies from person to person and refers to the amount consumed throughout the day (including the amount added to salads as a dressing or while cooking your favourite dishes or even one taken exclusively with the objective of lubrication of the body).
  • Anal region should be oiled daily by those suffering from constipation. Any of the virgin cold pressed cooking oils can be used for the same.
  • Oil should be applied on whole body as a way of moisturising your skin. It is common for people suffering from constipation to also have dry skin.
  • Doing all these three things every day, eventually the lubrication will reach the alimentary tract resulting in elimination of constipation as a problem.
• Panchkarma to treat Vata imbalance (that is Enema). The Panchkarma should be done only after proper preparatory procedures for the same.
• Enema is the Panchkarma that is recommended to even a totally healthy person as air increases in everyone's body from the day one is born to the day of their death. Doing this Panchkarma can help get rid of the excess air in the body and reduce or delay any and all issues related to ageing.
• Monthly mild Purgation is also recommended for especially for people who frequently suffer from constipation.
• None of such strong cleaning techniques are recommended for pregnant ladies.

References:

1. Vasant D. Lad - The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Part 3 - Secrets of Ayurvedic Self Healing: An Encyclopaedia of Illness and Remedies
2. The School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Notes and Lectures